SUPER SCIENCE

Easy Butterfly Origami

My new book, Easy Butterfly Origami features 30 bold full-color patterns designed to accurately portray the dorsal and ventral sides of some of the most beautiful butterflies from around the world!

Origami Folding Tips

Origami, from the Japanese ori (to fold) and kami (paper), began in the 6th century when Buddhist monks introduced paper to Japan. The print-and-fold crafts and easy diagrams are designed to help children with fine motor skills, directions and hand eye coordination.
Some basic origami folding tips:

Print and cut out patterns carefully.

Fold with clean, dry hands.

Follow the instructions. Study the diagrams and be patient.

Be precise: fold each crease well, flattening the creases by running your fingertip over the fold.

3. Prepare your pentagons by folding the white "tabs" forward as shown. Repeat on all five sides of the pentagon.

4a. Assemble your Christmas ornament by gluing the white tabs together, or taping the shapes together on the underside, so that you have half an ornament with a pentagon in the center, surrounded by five pentagons.

4b. Repeat, to make the second half of the ornament, with a pentagon in the center surrounded by five pentagons.

4c. Glue or tape the two halves together to create your Christmas Star Ornament. Refer to photo of completed ornament at the top of the page as needed.